ASTM E3318-24 PDF

Overview

ASTM E3318-24: Standard Terminology for Standards Relating to Stormwater Control Measures establishes a uniform set of definitions for terms used across standards developed by ASTM Committee E64, which focuses on stormwater control measures (SCMs). This standard ensures consistency in language and terminology, supporting the clear communication and effective application of SCMs in stormwater management practices worldwide.

This terminology standard applies to various stormwater-related documents and test methods, covering units, measurement conventions, and terminology surrounding sediment concentration and particle size. It supports professionals working with stormwater infrastructure, environmental compliance, and engineered treatment devices by providing clarity and reducing ambiguity.

Key Topics

ASTM E3318-24 includes a wide range of key terms relevant to stormwater control and treatment:

• Best Management Practice (BMP): Activities or structural improvements aimed at reducing or improving stormwater runoff quality and quantity.
• Stormwater Control Measure (SCM): Techniques or structural controls designed to manage stormwater runoff and enhance water quality, volume, and flow.
• Manufactured Treatment Device (MTD): Commercially available, engineered devices that remove pollutants-including trash, debris, total suspended solids (TSS), suspended sediment concentration (SSC), metals, nutrients, and hydrocarbons-from stormwater runoff.
• Hydrodynamic Separator (HDS): Devices using gravitational forces to separate and remove sediments and pollutants.
• Effluent and Influent: Definitions distinguishing water flow entering (influent) and leaving (effluent) treatment devices.
• Certification and Verification: Processes and definitions relating to regulatory approval and performance validation for SCMs and MTDs.
• Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP): Documentation of procedures ensuring the validity and quality of testing and monitoring protocols.
• Units and Measurement: Clarifies use of inch-pound and SI units, with specific guidance for sediment concentration and particle size metrics.

Additionally, the standard covers symbols, abbreviations, and acronyms such as AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), SLR (Surface Loading Rate), MHFR (Maximum Hydraulic Flow Rate), and more.

Applications

The terminology defined in ASTM E3318-24 is crucial for the following applications:

• Design and Specification of SCMs and MTDs: Engineers and planners use this standard to ensure accurate specification and selection of stormwater treatment devices and management practices.
• Performance Testing and Reporting: Laboratories, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers rely on standardized terms to conduct, document, and compare performance tests, including sediment removal and pollutant reduction evaluations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory bodies and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) utilize these definitions when certifying devices and approving their use in stormwater management systems.
• Research and Development: Academics and industry professionals apply this terminology in the development and validation of new technologies for stormwater quality improvement.
• International Standards Alignment: The standard is developed in accordance with internationally recognized standardization principles, supporting global harmonization and trade.

By standardizing vocabulary, ASTM E3318-24 helps minimize confusion, enhances regulatory consistency, and facilitates effective communication among stakeholders in the stormwater management sector.

Related Standards

ASTM E3318-24 references and aligns with several other key documents, including:

• ASTM D3977: Test Methods for Determining Sediment Concentration in Water Samples
• ASTM D4959: Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating
• ASTM D6913/D6913M: Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
• ASTM D7928: Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis
• Standard Method SM 2540D: Total Suspended Solids

By referencing these related standards, ASTM E3318-24 anchors its definitions within established testing and measurement methodologies, ensuring broad applicability and consistency across the stormwater management field.

Keywords: stormwater control measures, SCM, MTD, BMP, sedimentation, water quality, hydrodynamic separator, TSS, verification, ASTM E3318